Etiology
The etiology responsible for breaking immune tolerance and for initiating the autoimmune attack against platelets remains unknown. Genetic influences and immune dysregulation, mainly through autoreactive T-cell abnormalities and environmental triggers, may contribute to the progression of the disease.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiological process leading to thrombocytopenia in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is complex and is still being investigated, but current evidence suggests that it involves several different processes including increased destruction of platelets in the spleen by antiplatelet antibodies (mainly directed against GPIIb-IIIa), impairment/inhibition of platelet production due to suppression of normal megakaryocyte development by autoantibodies, and T cell-mediated destruction of platelet and megakaryocyte in the bone marrow.[10][11] These processes may be appropriate targets for treatment.[12]
Classification
Types of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
1. Primary ITP
2. Secondary ITP
HIV
Hepatitis C
Helicobacter pylori
Immunodeficiencies
Immunologic/autoimmune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, Evans syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, and autoimmune thyroid disease)
Lymphoproliferative disorders
Drug-induced
Vaccine exposure (very rare).
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